Well servicing and drilling machine



March 10, 1942.

H. w. cARDwl-:LL

WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE l Filed Feb. 24, 1939 March 10, 1942. Hw. CARDWELL 2,276,224

WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 24, 1939 a sheets-sheet 2 March 10, 1942. H. w. CARDWELL 2,276,224

WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING' MACHINE Filed Feb. 24, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 10, 1942. H W, CARDWELL 2,276,224

WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 24, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 @um www March 10, 1942. H. w. CARDWELL 2,276,224

WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 24, 1959 8 Sheets-Shea?l 5 @www March 10, 1942. H. w. cARDwELL.

WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 "j Iyar/427% W farve/Z Filed Feb. 24, 1939 March 10, 1942. H. w. CARDWELL WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 24, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 @ttm/man March 10, 1942. 'H. w. CARDWELL 2,276,224

` WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 24, 193s 'a sheets-sheet s l .g/i 9a 7 3mm/WO@ far/and- W @rdzl/@ZZ Patented Mar. 1o, 1942 UNITE@ STATE) sx Parent ,GFFEQE WELL SERVICING AND DRILLING MACHINE Harland W. Cardwell'. Wichita, Kans., assigner to Cardwell Manufacturing Company, Inc.,

Wichita, Kans.

Application February 2d, 1939, Serial No. 258,338

4 Claims. (Ci. Z55-7) desired, which may be readily driven into and out of operative association with a well or the like which it is intended to drill or service.

The primary object, of the invention is to provide a combined truck and well drilling and servicing unit which may for the latter apparatus include merely a single revoluble drum and a countershaft together with appropriate controls therefor but which is adapted to have assembled therewith additional equipment such as a second drum, drive means for a rotary cable drive assembly, a cathead shaft and catheads, a crank spudder and/or a telescoping pipe mast. Upon embodiment therewith of assemblies such as above described, and which the unit is designed and readily adapted to receive, the machine of the present invention may be usable for well drilling and servicing operations such as cleanout, deepening, or drilling in with-cable tools and also for drilling rotary wells and core drilling operations.

.Another object of the invention is to provide a combined truck and winch combination chassis comprising an integral frame novelly designed for the purpose intended as distinguished from any conventional truck or tractor chassis upon which well drilling or servicing equipment may be mounted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a unit in which the load of the drums and their lines, which generally weighs about 4000 pounds, may be located over the rear drive axle where the load may be most eiciently supported and the drums so disposed that they may be operated in the derrick with both lines running direct from the drums inside of the derrick to the crown pulley on top of the derrick. Further, in the preferred construction, the lower drum is disposed slightly upwardly and rearwardly of the rear axle and overlapping with the peripheries of the drive wheels to lower the center of gravity of the unit, and, to more equally distribute the load upon the rear axle, the upper drum may be disposed above and slightly to the opposite side of the rear axle. Thus the single or double drums are, if desired, so located with respect to the chassis that the unit may be not only backed into the derrick and the drum cables operated over the crown pulley, but it may be set away from the derrick and its re With the prime mover disposed conventionally `at the forward end of the chassis, no added counterweights are necessary to eiect a well balanced unit which will not tilt backwardly when transported with a drum full of line, and one which may be readily driven over sidling or uneven ground without danger of turning over due to its low center of gravity.

Another object of the invention is to provide a unit having a countershaft which is an active countershaft adapted to drive the lower standard equipment drum but upon which may be mounted, if desired, an upper drum for a sand line or the like.

The unit contemplated by the present invention is adapted to receive, and the invention includes within its scope, a cathead shaft and catheads disposed at the extremity of the chassis extending outwardly of the drum whereby the catheads are more accessible to the operating crew and the likelihood of cathead rope interference is minimized. The unit is further adapted to receive and the invention includes within its scope spudding apparatus having a. crank spudder disposed forwardly of the single or double drums at an intermediate point in the length of the chassis and which may be used for cable tool cleanout and deepening operations. In its preferred embodiment, the invention contemplates the provision of a single prime mover including a transmission for driving the rear wheels of the chassis and a power takeoi shaft from which the spudder arm and a driving means for a rotary drive assembly associated with the unit may be directly selectively operated.

The provision of two sets of controls, or dual controls; one set convenient to the drivers seat and an auxiliary set disposed at the rear end of the machine and operable from the ground, whereby the unit operator is available to assist the crew, is also contemplated by the invention, and more particularly the invention provides for pedal clutch controls adjustable relative to the ground whereby such controls may be elevated so as to clear the ground during transportation of the unit or lowered into position for ready access by the operator when the unit is employed for well drilling or servicing operations.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed explanation, taken in conjunc-5 tion with the accompanying drawings, wherein preferred embodiments of the principles of the hazards and operated through a floor block. invention have been selected for exemplication.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a unit as contemplated by the invention having a crank spudder associated therewith;

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of a unit such as illustrated in Figure 1 and having an upper drum associated with the countershaft;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view, of the rear portion of a unit having drive means for a rotary assembly, and a cathead shaft and cathead associated therewith;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a unit,

such as illustrated in Figure 1 but having a mast and supports therefor assembled therewith;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an integral combination truck and winch chassis as contemplated by the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective fragmentary view of transmission gear shift dual controls;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the dual throttle control;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the dual clutch controls, illustrating the adjustable pedal controls associated with the rear end of the unit;

Figure 9 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of the invention, particularly illustrating the power takeoff means for driving the drums, etc., and the spudder arm and/or the drive for the rotary assembly;

Figure 10 is a schematic view of the drive for the various drums and particularly showing the power takeoff arranged for driving the spudder arm; and

Figure 11 is a schematic view showing the drive for the drums, the cathead shaft at the rear of the vehicle, and the drive connection between the power takeoff and the means for driving a rotary assembly.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, a chassis indicated in its entirety by letter A is supported by front steering wheels B and rear drive wheels C and in turn supports at its forward end I0 a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine, indicated in its entirety by the letter D. A conventional transmission E is connected behind the engine I0. A master clutch e is interposed between the transmission and engine. This transmission may have any number of desired forward speeds, say five, and a reverse speed. A power taffeoff unit F is associated with the transmission E, and will be described in further detail hereinafter.

The rear elevated portion I2 of the chassis A supports in a position slightly upwardly and rearwardly of the rear axle I4 a dead shaft I5 upon which is revolubly mounted a drum I8 upon which may be wound a well drilling or servicing tool cable (not illustrated).

As best shown in Figure 1, drum I8 is only slightly spaced from rear axle I4 and is disposed between the rear drive wheels C with the peripheries of the drum and wheels in intersecting or overlapping arrangement in order to effect an extremely low center of gravity. An active countershaft 20 is also supported upon the elevated portion I2 of the chassis A in a positionabove the drum I8 and slightly to the opposite side of the rear axle I4. If desired, an upper drum 22 may .be mounted upon the countershaft 20 to receive another well servicing tool cable such as a sand line or the like (not illustrated). The drums 22 and I8 preferably are disposed respectively, one above the other,

and approximately equally spaced from a vertical plane passing through the axle I4, so that the load of the drums and their cables bears directly upon the axle I4 to thereby best distribute stress or strain upon the chassis A or its wheel and axle supports.

It will be understood that the wheels B-C, chassis A, prime mover D, drum I8 and countershaft 28, together with appropriate controls therefor, constitute a standard combined truck and well drilling and servicing unit which is adapted to have associated therewith well drilling and servicing equipment such as an upper drum 22 (already described); and a spudder, driving means for a rotary drive assembly, and mast, any or all of which may be directly attached or supported by suitable brackets which may be bolted or otherwise secured to the chassis A, as will be clear from the following.

Disposed forwardly of the drum I8 and countershaft 28 at a point intermediate the ends of the chassis A is a spudding assembly comprising a spudder shaft 24, supporting a spudding arm 26 and a spudding sheave 28, and in turn supported by a standard 30 which is bolted or otherwise secured to the chassis A.

The power for driving the lower drum I8, the upper drum 22, and the spudding assembly is derived through the power takeoff unit F. The power-takeoff shaft and its relation to the transmission is best illustrated in Figure 9, and the arrangement of the drives for the drums and spudding apparatus from said power takeoi is best illustrated in Figure 10.

Referring now more particularly to Fi'gure 9, the transmission E includes a drive shaft I having a reduced end portion Ia received in a recess formed in one end of a section of a propeller shaft 2. The shaft I carries a toothed portion lc in iixed relation thereto. The end of the propeller shaft 2 is provided with teeth 2a. An internally toothed sleeve 3 is arranged to be shifted by means (not shown) so as to bring the teeth Ic and 2a in positive driving relation. This may be effected .by movingthe sleeve 3 to the left as viewed in Figure 9. When the sleeve is in this position, the transmission is connected to transmit a drive to the propeller shaft 2. At this time, it will be understood that when the propeller shaft is being driven to maneuver the vehicle, the power takeoff shaft is disconnected. This will be clear from the following.' A bevel gear 4 is rotatably'mounted upon the transmission shaft I. This gear is provided with an integral toothed extension 4a which is arranged in telescoping relation with the sleeve 3, as clearly shown in the drawings. When the sleeve is in the position illustrated, the drive to the propeller shaft 2 is disconnected and the apparatus is in position for drive of the power takeoff shaft, the teeth Ic transmitting drive through the sleeve 3 to the extended tooth portion 4a. A second bevel gear 5 has its axis of rotation disposed at right angles to that of the transmission shaft I and the propeller shaft 2 and is adapted to mesh with the gear 4. The gear 5 has an integral extension 5a splined as indicated at'5c. One element of a coupling 6 is mounted upon the splined portion 5c. Another element 6a of said coupling is xed to a shaft 58. A compound sprocket 1 is keyed to the shaft 58 and a second compound sprocket 8 is rotatably mounted upon said shaft. An element 8a of a jaw clutch is formed integral with the sprocket 8, and a complemental eleemanen ment 8b of a jaw clutch is slidably mounted at one end of the'shaft I8. The clutch element 8b is preferably splined upon the shaft 58 so that when it is engaged with the clutch element la the sprocket 8 will be positively driven by the shaft B. A yoke B is operatively associated with the clutch element Ib for shifting the same longitudinally of the splined portion of the shaft 58 to eiiect operative engagement with the clutch element 8a.. The yoke S may he fulcrumed at 9a as indicated in Figure 4.

'Ihe yoke 8 is connected to one end of an operating link il. The opposite end of the link il is connected to a lever it pivotally mounted upon a pin l5, as best shown in Figure 1. Thus, when the lever i3 is manually actuated, the clutch elements and da may be engaged or disengaged at the will of the operator.

Referring now to Figure 10, it will be noted that the countershaft 28 has a compound sprocket wheel 2| keyed thereto, and that said countershaft is driven by the sprocket 'i through e. chain Bla. A second sprocket 23 is also nxed to the coyntershaft 2@ and is arranged to drive a sprocket il through a chain 23a. The drums i8 and 22 are mounted for free rotation upon their respective shafts i@ and Z, as has already been stated. However, the drum i8 may be rotated through any suitable clutch means lla associated with the sprocket il. Likewise, the

drum 22 may be driven through any suitable` clutch arrangement 23h associated with the sprocket 23. It will be understood that any conventional brake mechanism may be provided for holding the drums iti and 22 in any desired stationary position.

The spudding assembly is driven from the power takeoi shaft 58 through. the sprocket 8 and the jaw clutch elements tu and 8b. More speciiicallv, the spudder shaft 26 carries a sprocket E5 keyed on one end thereof. A chain Y 2l is trained over the sprockets and 25 so that when the clutch elements Sa and 8b are engaged, the sprocket d is driven and in turn imparts rotation to the spudder shaft 2li.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the countershaft 26 is continuously driven so long as power is applied to the power takeoff shaft 58 and that the drums I6 and 22 may be rotated independently upon actuation of suitable clutches. Such clutch arrangements are conventional and well understood in the art, and

therefore have not been illustrated in detail in the drawings.

As best illustrated in Figure 3, drive means for a rotary drive assembly including a sprocket 3| may be attached to the chassis A in a suitable manner and is adapted to drive a rotary table of any conventional construction (not illustrated) by means of a chain tia. The sprocket 3l, as best illustrated in Figure 11, is rotatably mounted upon a stud shaft t3.- The sprocket 3i is preferably formed integral with a sprocket 35u. The sprocket 35d is adapted to be driven by the sprocket 8 on the power takeo shaft through a chain 35h.

It will be clear from the foregoing that the sprocket 8 may be utilized selectively as the drive for the spudder shaft 2t, and the sprocket 35a which in turn drives the sprocket Si supplying power for operating a rotary drive assembly. Accordingly, it is desirable from an economic standpoint that the axis of rotation of the sprocket 3l be positioned such distance from the chain 21 for the spudder arm may be utilized and serve as the chain a for driving the sprocket 8i,

If desired, catheads 32 may be keyed to either or both ends of the counter-shaft 20, but for certain operations it is desirable to omit these catheads and embody with the unit a cathead shaft 35 having, catheads 35 keyed to either or both its ends and supported by means of arms 38u bolted or otherwise secured to the rear extremity of the upstanding portion I 2 of the chassis A so that the cathead shaft 34 and catheads 36 may he positioned rearwardly of the drum I8 to avoid any possibility of cathead rope interference, the catheads thus being conveniently positioned overhead and otherwise more accessible tmthe operator. As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 1l, cathead 36 at one end of the shaft 36 carries a sprocket 35 and may be driven by an associated sprocket chain d0 trained over a sprocket wheel d2 keyed or otherwise secured to the countershaft 2Q. It will be noted, upon` comparison of Figures 1G and 11, that the cathead 32 of Figure l0 has been replaced by the sprocket e2 in order to provide a drive for the more conveniently located cathead shaft 3d.

If desired, as illustrated in Figure 4, a telescoping mast d@ may be associated with the unit and, in its rest position, clamped to and pivotally supported by a horizontal bar d6 secured to the ends of an opposed pair of supporting arms 33o. An upstanding pedestal t@ may be bolted or otherwise secured to the forward end of chassis A to support the forward or top end of mast it. In its preferred construction, mast ed is a single or two-legged telescoping seamless pipe mast with a sheave shaft 5@ to which is journaled a plurality of crownl pulleys or sheaves 52 over which may be trained the well drilling or servicing tool cables. At the axial ends of sheaves 52, a pair of opposed guard plates 5d are provided connected by bolts 55 which may support rolling sleeves to guide the cables in the sheave grooves. lIhe construction is such that the sheaves 52 are preferably open at their tops 'and the bolts or sleeves 55 are positioned at or below the axis of the sheaves at a point best retaining the cablesin their grooves, since the weight of the cables will normally hold them in the upper portion of the sheave.

A further feature of the invention includes the provision of dual controls; one set of controls being accessible to the driver of the unit from the seat adjacent the steering wheel and the other set accessible to the well drilling and servicing apparatus operator from a position on the ground at the rear of the unit where the operator is in a position to observe more readily the tool operations and to assist the well crew. Accordingly, the usual transmission gear shifter-s Bil are connected by suitable links and the like, as clearly shown in Figure 6, with a second set of control levers t2 positioned at the rear and to one side of the unit. Similarly, the conventional throttle pedal @il is connected by a suitable link and rod arrangement shown in Figure 'I to a. wheel Si supported upon the rear of chassis A. Also, the conventional engine master clutch pedal 68 may be connected by suitable cable means or the like illustrated in Figure 8 with a pedal control lo carried by the `rear end of the unit in a convenient position for the operator. Since it is desirable that the rear pedal control be capable of elevated movement axis of the power takeo shaft EB that the drive 'I5 with respect to the ground when the unit is being moved, and capable of being lowered with respect to the ground in a position accessible to the operator when the unit is stationary, the invention provides for an adjustable support for the pedalcomprising a supporting bar 14 having pedals pivoted thereto at its lower end and capable of vertical adjustment in brackets 16 which may be, in turn, secured to the chassis A at the rear portion of the unit. While Figure 8 shows ,a single pedal control such as for the engine master clutch, it will .be understood that a plurality of pedals may be in like manner supported by rod 14 and, as illustrated in Figure 2, one or more additional pedals 12 may be provided such as for operating the vvarious drum clutches, if desired.

It will be understood that the specific device herein illustrated and described is exemplary only of the principles of the invention and is capable of such modifications in construction and arrangement of parts as are within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A combined truck and well drilling and servicing unit comprising, a chassis, rear drive wheels and axle supporting said chassis, well drilling and servicing tool operating means mounted upon said chassis, and control means for said operating means operable from the ground adjacent the chassis and vertically adjustable with respect to the ground.

2. A combined truck and well drilling and servicing unit comprising, a chassis, rear drive wheels and axle supporting said chassis, well drilling and servicing tool operating means including a clutch mounted upon said chassis, a prime mover for said unit including a transmission, and master clutch and pedal controls for said clutch operable from the ground adjacent the chassis and vertically adjustable with respect to the ground.

3. A mobile well drilling and servicing unit comprising, a chassis having supporting drive wheels including an axle, a lower drum mounted upon the under side of said chassis slightly obove and to one side of said axle and disposed between said wheels, and an upper drum mounted upon the upper side of the chassis slightly above said lower drum and to the opposite side of said axle, the axes-of said drums being approximately the same distance from a vertical plane passing through said axle, wherebythe load of said drums is distributed on said chassis so as to lie upon the opposite sides of said axle and whereby the unit may be backed into a derrick and the cables of the drums operated over a crown pulley or maybe set away from the derrick and its re hazards and the cables of the drums operated through a oor block.

4.1A mobile Well drilling and servicing unit comprising, a chassis having supporting drive wheels including an axle, a lower drum mounted upon the chassis above and to one side of said axle, and an upper drum mounted upon the chassis slightly above said lower drum and to the opposite side of said axle, the axes of said drums being approximately the same distance from a vertical plane passing through said axle, whereby the the load of said drums is distributed on said chassis so as to lie upon the opposite sides of said axle and whereby the unit may be backed'into a derrick and the cables of the drums operated over a crown pulley or may be set away from the derrick and its re hazards and the cables of the drums operated through a floor block.

HARLAND W. CARDWELL. 

